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By "anyone" here, they mean manufacturers. And even you could flash your phone if you wanted to, unless restrictions have been placed (which is done by the carriers, not by Google).

OK that makes a lot more sense, thanks for clarification.

Android itself doesn't require the use of Google plus. Look at cyanogenmod or a phone setup for you:

https://oneplus.net/

I can remove all of Google's proprietary software. Just because you may not know how doesn't mean you're not allowed to learn.

well I can root my phone .. but that revokes the warranty .. which is like saying that I'm allowed to learn but cannot apply that learning

the only reasonable option is to disable them

You can build a ROM without them.

There's a difference between "you can" and what's actually convenient for an user.

And the "anyone" they're talking about isn't end-users it's device manufacturers.

Isn't this a choice by manufacturers along with the bloatware they install in system ? I know with many roms you can get minimal Gapps and install everything else as regular downloads.

Nope. And no, semi-legal ROMs aren't authoritative on that.

can't agree more